deserts DEATH VALLEY John Kukreja Kukreja is the general manager of the historic Oasis at Death Valley. Here are a few of his favorite destinations and activities near this world-famous resort. 164The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley The challenging Furnace Creek is the world's lowestelevation course at 214 feet below sea level. " That means that you're going to lose 20 yards on your drives, " Kukreja says. " But golfers tell us how beautiful the course is. It's even certifi ed by the Audubon Society for bird-watching. " Furnace Creek Golf Course 165 Badwater Basin " At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater is the lowest point in North America. It's cool to look out on the valley and realize you're standing below sea level and that Mount Whitney, just two and a half hours away, is the highest point in the Lower 48. " Artists Palette 166Artists Palette " Visitors don't realize that Death Valley isn't just shades of brown. Artists Palette is a formation where oxidized minerals and chemicals have created amazing colors on the rocks. It's on a driving loop, and you don't even have to get out of your car to see the colors. " 167Mosaic Canyon " Mosaic Canyon is about 28 miles from the resort. At fi rst it looks like you're walking into normal desert terrain. Then you hit the canyon, and the marble and granite that's inside there is amazing. It's breathtaking. " 80 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COMhttp://www.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM